Connect devices
If no device is connected, UFADE displays an overview of the relevant Python packages in the left info area:
If this output appears even though an Apple device (iPhone, iPod, iPad, ...) has been connected, the following points should be checked:
- Ensure a stable cable connection
- Ideally use the original cable
- Do not use USB-C/Lightning or USB-C/USB-C cables
- (Windows) Have Apple-devices / iTunes been run at least once?
- (Linux) Is usbmuxd running? → (
sudo systemctl start usbmuxd)
If there is a connection to a device on which the message "Trust this device" has not yet been confirmed, some information is already being requested from the device:
There is now an option to trigger the pairing again. If an MDM device is to be connected with a "pair-lock", a P12 certificate from the MDM administrator can be read in to address the device via UFADE. Senior cybersecurity analyst Derek Eiri describes the procedure for connecting supervised "pair-locked" devices in detail in a blog post.
After successful pairing, you will be asked for the desired output path for the subsequent backups. It is not recommended to use the UFADE installation directory for this.
The connection to classic mobile devices (iPhone, iPod, iPad) needs no further explanation. UFADE is also able to address multimedia and IoT devices when they are connected to the host system.
Apple TV
Apple TVs of the first four generations (up to and including Apple TV HD) have classic USB connections (µUSB or USB-C for the “HD” model).
This port has been omitted on the “4K” models. Here, a hidden Lightning port has been integrated into the RJ45 socket. A special “Foxlink X892 GoldenEye” adapter is required to use this. Alternatively, the debug port can also be soldered directly to the opened device.
These devices do not have a passcode and therefore allow a connection in any case.
Some newer generations (from 4K 3rd Gen.) do not have an external interface and cannot currently be connected.
Apple Watch
Apple Watches of generations 0/1 to 6 can be connected to a so-called "iBus" adapter via a hidden diagnostic port in the lower strap guide. Some of these adapters are also offered under the trade name "Apple Watch Brush Tester".
Watches of generations 7 and newer no longer have a diagnostic port. A wireless connection in the frequency range between 60.49909-60.50091GHz is used here. In 2021, Apple registered an Apple Inc. Wireless Dock A2687 with the Federal Communications Commission, which is intended for connecting newer watches. Two replicas of the dock are offered via relevant trading platforms under the trade names "iBus X" or "Watch S7/8/9 Ultra1/2 5in1 flashing tool".
Tests have so far been able to address all available watches from generation 7 with the "Watch S7/8/9 Ultra1/2 5in1 flashing tool". One peculiarity here are models of the tenth generation. Here, a slightly twisted positioning on the adapter was required to establish a connection:
| Apple Watch Ultra | Apple Watch 10 |
|---|---|
 |  |
On the software side, watches from generations 0/1 to SE (1st Gen.) can be addressed via Usbmuxd on all available platforms.
Apple Watches of generations 6 and later initially require special drivers or an alternative Usbmuxd implementation. After installing the "HomeDiagnostic" package on a macOS system, these devices can be addressed for test purposes. A source for obtaining this package is not named, even on request, for legal reasons.
Elcomsoft provides an alternative Usbmuxd implementation with its “iOS Forensic Toolkit”, which also allows a connection with newer models.
HomePod
The first generation of the HomePod has a hidden diagnostic port under the base of the device. Using a printable adapter, a connection can also be established to this device.